We’ve undergone our own transformation too, evolving from a small company focused on converting adhesive tape for the signage industry to a full-service engineering and manufacturing partner working across multiple industries.
There have been several landmark innovations in recent decades, all driven by imagination and deep technical knowledge. They highlight the common changes we’ve seen across the industry and help to foreshadow a direction of travel for the future of engineering.
A key emergence was the rapid advancements in consumer electronics which lead to developments in new material technology that provided advantages for the development of electric vehicles. The experience that Tecman gained in these more mature markets gave us an edge when working in new complex markets, such as EVs.
Given the vast number of intricate components EVs require, manufacturing at scale is a significant challenge. Take EV batteries, for example: initially, the cost of production was prohibitively high. However, as demand surged and economies of scale took effect, unit costs have dramatically decreased.
Combined with innovative engineering and advanced thermal management technology, battery cell performance has been enhanced, lifespan extended, and overall safety improved. This has boosted consumer confidence, leading to a growing market for EVs. This confidence is translating into an interest in other technologies, such as hydrogen, which is transitioning from a niche industry into mass production.
Thanks to a combination of innovation and new technology, the reduction in battery costs is enabling automotive OEMs to develop a wider range of EVs for the mass market. Today, EVs are becoming a common sight in every car park.
Most recently, attention has shifted to the wearable technology sector, driven by advancements in health diagnostics and smart devices. Creating technology that is not only functional but also reliable and comfortable for everyday use has required significant innovation. For example, new flexible materials and advanced sensors have been developed to enhance the accuracy and longevity of medical wearables, enabling continuous health monitoring with minimal disruption to users’ daily lives.
There is a connection between consumer electronics, EVs, and wearable devices. Each has driven forward the development of key trends in engineering, such as advanced material development, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability. These innovations are not only transforming their respective industries but are also shaping the future of engineering across the board. As these trends continue to evolve, they will play an even more prominent role in driving advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and product functionality over the next 30 years.
Additionally, the emergence of Industry 4.0 is radically transforming manufacturing practices across sectors, as fewer machines are required to do the same amount of work, meaning more intelligent production and more output from the same amount of factory space.
If every company adopts this approach, the impact on productivity and innovation will be significant. By replacing low-skilled, repetitive tasks prone to human error with advanced manufacturing and robotic systems operated by highly skilled technicians, manufacturers can achieve 100 per cent part inspection with AI-driven adaptive control. The benefit to the customer is zero defects, lower costs and improved satisfaction.
Making production more intelligent by using technology to improve precision and efficiency has transformed engineering in the last 30 years. With the growth of artificial intelligence and further improvements in these areas, it’s only set to change more in the next 30. However, the most profound shift isn’t technological - it’s in customer expectations.
Today, customers no longer simply ask manufacturers to produce a product at scale for a fair price. Instead, they demand a broader value proposition: expert guidance, assistance in selecting sustainable materials, and innovative solutions that enhance their products. As a result, the expectation now is for an integrated service that blends technical expertise, creative innovation, and seamless manufacturing.
New technology and innovations will continually raise customer expectations, and force manufacturing companies to raise theirs. This is only right, as it’s only by surpassing customer demands for innovation and efficiency that we will continue to drive innovation forward.
Kevin Porter, Group CEO at Tecman
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